While we wouldn’t call ourselves barbecue experts, we do love us some good Que. We have eaten at some pretty famous places in both Kansas City and Memphis. Grant is a certified judge for the Kansas City BBQ Society and a member of the Iowa BBQ Society. He also cooks BBQ as a hobby, and may have much to learn, but folks seem to enjoy it.

One thing is for sure, we dig the fact that the Des Moines area has become deluged with some great BBQ joints in the past several years. We have dined at most of them, and I dare say we would put them up against any we have experienced elsewhere.

The brisket and ribs at The Flying Mango, the pulled pork at Jethro’s, the chicken at The Q and the ribs, ooooohhhhhhh the ribs, at Smokey D’s. We have become addicted to these sweet morsels with the dry rub.

They use the St. Louis style spare ribs, and if we knew what they did to them for sure, we would have no reason to leave home, except to go buy more ribs for Grant to cook. For that reason, we are content not to know because we really like the place.

Partners Shad Kirton and Darren Warth started as competitors on the national BBQ scene. They have won 34 State BBQ Championships and over 400 local, regional, and national BBQ awards, including Shad winning the 2010 BBQ Pitmasters competition on TLC.

They started their business as caterers, a few blocks from the current north side location (NW 2nd Street just north of I-35-80), and worked into a stand alone business, including locations in downtown Des Moines in the skywalk and the Nationwide building.

We found ourselves seated there last Tuesday night, sipping on beers and salivating all over the bar as we waited for the ribs to arrive. We usually split a full rack dinner - it comes with two sides (we had mac and cheese and cucumber onion slaw, both excellent) and a slice of garlic toast - all for $19.95.

We decided to order an extra side (beans) and it was more than we needed, but we ate most of it anyway. Wouldn't you?

The ribs are perfectly cooked, seriously, every time we've had them (which is pretty much on a weekly basis). A hint of smoke, bursting with porky goodness, you'll be so glad you ordered these ribs. And while we enjoy them without sauce, Amy can't help adding a little 'Sassy' sauce on a few. Smokey D's serves Russ & Frank's sauces and they complement the meat to a tee.

It is an 'order at the counter' kind of place, with plenty of seating in the dining room. There is a full bar and many more tables on the bar side. They have lots of drink specials and karaoke nights where it gets pretty fun, if you follow their tweets at all.

The food is delivered quickly by the always efficient staff. On our recent visit, our bartender, Lacey, was great. Friendly and fun, she kept our beers full and the conversation flowing.

We're never been disappointed at Smokey D's. It's a place you can count on for consistent, great tasting food. And what's not to love? I mean, just look at 'em.